Display case

ABSTRACT

A display case for a work of art includes a base cabinet defining a compartment. A deck assembly is supported by the base cabinet. The deck assembly includes a display deck configured to receive the work of art. The display deck is spaced from the base cabinet. A preserving material is contained in and concealed by the base cabinet. The preserving material is in communication with an air flowing about the deck assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/564,546 filed on Sep. 28, 2017. The entire disclosure of the above patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a display case, and particularly to a conservational display case for displaying and preserving a work of art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As commonly known, a work of art is often displayed in a facility such as a museum, for example. Work of art as used herein can refer to any of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, historical documents, artifacts, crafts, jewelry, accessories, clothing attire, any other visual arts, three dimensional objects, manuscripts, and combinations thereof or any other piece of artwork now known or later developed.

The work of art is often placed in a display case for a person to view the work of art. Typically, it is desired to display the work of art in a manner which militates against degradation and facilitates preservation and conservations of the integrity of the work of art. Therefore, materials militating against moisture and which do not cause a chemical reaction within or around the work of art are typically employed. Preferably, the materials used to conserve the work of art pass an Oddy test. The Oddy test, developed by British Museum conservator, Andrew Oddy, is a procedure used to test materials for safety in and around art objects as testing the gasses emitted by a particular material in a sealed environment. Additionally, it is desired for the display case to be aesthetically pleasing and easily viewable from all angles to viewers. Furthermore, ergonomic access and ease of access to the conservation materials is desired.

Accordingly, it is desired to have a display case with an inert environment that is aesthetically pleasing, easy to assemble, and provides easy access to conservation materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance and attuned with the present invention, a display case with an inert environment that is aesthetically pleasing, easy to assemble, and provides easy access to conservation materials has surprisingly been discovered.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a display case for a work of art is disclosed. The display case including a base cabinet defining a compartment. A deck assembly is supported by the base cabinet. The deck assembly includes a display deck configured to receive the work of art. The display deck is spaced from the base cabinet.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a display case for a work of art includes a base cabinet defining a compartment. A tray is received on the base cabinet. The tray defines a chamber. A deck assembly is supported by the tray and configured to support the work of art. A vitrine is supported by the tray and encloses the deck assembly and the work of art. The vitrine cooperates with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray.

According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a display case for a work of art is disclosed. The display case includes a tray defining a chamber. The tray includes a sidewall. A rim extends outwardly from the sidewall. An opening is formed in the sidewall of the tray. A deck assembly is supported by the rim of the tray and configured to support the work of art. The deck assembly includes a frame enveloping and supporting a display deck. A vitrine is supported by the rim of the tray and encloses the deck assembly and the work of art. The vitrine cooperates with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray. A preserving material is disposed in the chamber of the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention in the light of the accompanying drawings which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective right side view of a display case according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective side view of the display case of FIG. 1 with a vitrine removed therefrom, wherein a removable panel is exploded outwardly from a base cabinet of the display case;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded right side perspective view of the display case of FIG. 2 with the vitrine removed therefrom, wherein a pair of panels, a tray, a desk assembly, a door, and a display deck are exploded from the display case; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary right perspective view of the display case of FIG. 1, highlighted by circle 4, with a portion of sidewalls of a tray of the display case partially removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical. Any dimensions contained herein are for examples only unless otherwise noted. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” “outer,” “inner,” and similar terms are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures and an orientation of the invention with respect to gravity. As used herein, “substantially” means “to a considerable degree,” “largely,” or “proximately” as a person skilled in the art in view of the instant disclosure would understand the term.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a display case 10 for displaying a work of art 100 includes a base cabinet 12, a tray 14, a desk assembly 16, and a vitrine 18. The tray 14 is disposed on and partially received by the base cabinet 12. The deck assembly 16 is disposed on and partially received by the tray 14. The deck assembly 16 supports the work of art 100. A vitrine 18 is disposed on the tray 14 and configured to enclose the work of art 100 supported on the deck assembly 16. The work of art 100 can be any work of art 100 desired for display such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, historical documents, artifacts, crafts, jewelry, accessories, clothing attire, any other visual arts, three dimensional objects, manuscripts, and combinations thereof or any other piece of artwork now known or later developed

The base cabinet 12 is formed from a plurality of sidewalls 20, a bottom wall 22, and a shelf 24. The sidewalls 20, the bottom wall 22, and the shelf 24 define a lower compartment 26. The shelf 24 is recessed from an upper open end of the base cabinet 12, wherein portions of the sidewalls 20 extend upwardly beyond the shelf 24. The shelf 24 and the open end of the base cabinet 12 cooperate to form an upper compartment 27. In the embodiment illustrated, the base cabinet 12 has a generally prismatic shape. However, in other embodiments the base cabinet 12 may have other shapes as desired. For example, the base cabinet 12 can be cylindrical in shape, if desired. Furthermore, the base cabinet 12 can include more or fewer than four sidewalls to form a base cabinet having any shape as desired.

Each of the sidewalls 20 includes a removable panel 28 to provide access to the compartments 26, 27 and the shelf 24. A finger hold, rabbet, or reveal 31 is formed at an upper end of each of the sidewalls 20 including the panels 28. In the embodiment illustrated, four removable panels 28 are included in the sidewalls 20. However, more than four or fewer than four removable panels 28 can be included as desired. The removable panels 28 are coupled to the sidewall 20 by a coupling means 30 such as a latch, a catch, a detent, a magnetic coupler, or other coupling means as desired. The reveal 31 can be provided in the removable panel 28 to aid in removal thereof. Corners 25 of the base cabinet 12 include a rabbet or a reveal 33 formed therein for facilitating joining of the sidewalls 20 to each other and forming the corners 25. In the embodiment shown, the base cabinet 12 is formed from APPLEPLY® hardwood plywood. However, other materials can be used, if desired, such as polyurethane foams, plastic composites, bamboo, metals, other types of wood, or any combination thereof, for example, particularly materials that pass the Oddy test. Weights (not shown) can be placed in the lower compartment 26 to act as counterweights depending on the work of art 100 being displayed and to provide stability to the display case 10. In certain embodiments, the bottom wall 22 includes access holes (not shown) to provide access to legs allowing manipulation of leg levelers so a height of the display case 10 can be adjusted to compensate for uneven surfaces. A shoulder 29 of the display case 10 is recessed to provide a toe kick.

The tray 14 is supported by the base cabinet 12, wherein the upper end of each of the sidewalls 20 of the base cabinet 12 engage the tray 14. A gap 35 is formed intermediate the tray 14 and the shelf 24 or between the tray 14 and the sidewalls 20. For example, the gap 35 having a distance of about ⅛ inch is formed intermediate the tray 14 and the shelf 24. However, a gap having any distance can be formed as desired. The gap 35 can receive blocks, shims or, a spacer intermediate the tray 14 and the plurality of sidewalls 20 of the base cabinet 12, if desired, for support and to accommodate any discrepancies in dimensions of the tray 14, the base cabinet 12, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment (not shown), the tray 14 is supported directly by and engages the shelf 24.

The tray 14 is a powder coated aluminum tray, although other materials can be used to form the tray 14, if desired. For example, the tray 14 can be formed by polyurethane coated foam, plastic composite, bamboo, or any material capable of passing the Oddy test, if desired. The tray 14 includes a plurality of sidewalls 32 and a bottom wall 34. The sidewalls 32 and the bottom wall 34 cooperate to form a chamber 36 for receiving preserving material or a desiccant material such as a silica gel, for example, for maintaining a desired humidity within the vitrine 18. An opening 38 is formed in at least one of the sidewalls 32 for access to the chamber 36 for charging the chamber 36 with the desiccant material. A door 40 is removably coupled to the sidewall 32 to cover the opening 38. The door 40 is coupled to the sidewall 32 by a coupling means. In the embodiment illustrated, the door 40 is coupled to the sidewall 32 by thumb screws. However, other coupling means can be employed as desired. A seal 41 is disposed between the door 40 and a portion of the sidewalls 32 forming the opening 38 to sealingly engage the door 40 and the sidewall 32 and militate against air leakage therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated, the one opening 38 and the one door 40 are included with the tray 14. However, more than the one opening 38 and the one door 40 can be included, such as at opposing ones of the sidewalls 32 of the tray 14.

The tray 14 further includes an upper rim 42 extending laterally outwardly from a perimeter of the sidewalls 32 and dividing the tray 14 into an upper portion 14 a and a lower portion 14 b. The rim 42 engages the open upper end of the sidewalls 20 of the base cabinet 12. The rim 42 includes a plurality of partition walls 44, each extending in a substantially vertical position and substantially parallel with a respective one of the sidewalls 32 of the tray 14. A substantially horizontal inner recessed wall 43 extends between and connects the sidewalls 32 of the tray 14 to the partition walls 44. The inner recessed wall 43 is spaced from an open end of the sidewalls 32 and the partition walls 44 and is configured to support the deck assembly 16. Further, the inner recessed wall 43 includes a plurality of locating features 45, such as pins or holes, for locating or positioning the desk assembly 16 and/or the vitrine 18 within the upper rim 42. One or more holes 47 can be formed through the partition walls 44 to receive a peg or a fastener 49 of the deck assembly 16 therethrough. For example, two holes 47 on opposing ones of the walls 44 can be formed to secure the deck assembly 16 to the base cabinet 12.

The lower portion 14 b of the tray 14 has outer dimensions configured to be received within the lower compartment 26 of the base cabinet 12. For example, the outer dimensions, such as an outer width and an outer length, of the lower portion 14 b is less than dimensions, such as an inner width and an inner length, of the upper compartment 27 of the base cabinet 12. The upper portion 14 a of the tray 14 has an outer dimension substantially equal to an outer dimension of the base cabinet 12. For example, an outer length and an outer width of the upper portion 14 a of the tray 14 are substantially equal to an outer length and an outer width of the base cabinet 12 at the upper compartment 27. As a result, the base cabinet 12 and the upper portion 14 a of the tray 14 form a substantially continuous planar outer surface, except for the reveal 31, for aesthetic appearances. The portions 14 a, 14 b of the tray 14 each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, the portions 14 a, 14 b of the tray 14 can have any other cross-sectional, as desired.

The deck assembly 16 is positioned above and on the tray 14 and includes a powder coated steel frame 46 and a display deck 52. However, it is understood, the frame 46 can be formed from other materials, if desired. The frame 46 includes a plurality of framing members 50 having an outer surface 60, a lower surface 61, and an inner surface 62. The framing members 50 define a window 64 to receive the display deck 52. The outer surface 60 is angled or sloped outwardly with respect to the window 64 from an inner edge 68 to an outer edge 70 of the framing members 50. Favorable viewing results have been obtained using an angle of 30 degrees. However, it is understood the outer surface 60 can be angled at any angle greater than or less than 30 degrees. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the members 50 have the outer surface 60 sloping. However, in other embodiments, the outer surface 60 of at least one of the framing members 50 does not slope, meaning the outer surface 60 is oriented substantially parallel or perpendicular to a plane extending parallel to display deck 52 or a plane extending through a respective one of the sidewalls 20 of the base cabinet 12.

The outer surface 60 is configured as a label rail for receiving a label 200 thereon. The label 200 can include indicia thereon such as letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, colors, or similar describing the work of art 100 being displayed within the display case 10. Although, the label 200 can include any information as desired. In certain embodiments, the outer surface 60 includes a lip or a rail that facilitates retaining the label 200 thereto without the use of adhesives. Although, the label 200 can be attached to the outer surface 60 by alternate means such as an adhesive, a hook and loop system, magnets, bolts, or similar.

A plurality of supports 66 is coupled to the framing members 50 to support and engage the display deck 52 when assembled on the deck assembly 16. In the embodiment illustrated, the supports 66 are recessed from the inner edge 68 and are configured as a plurality of elongate cross-members surrounding the window 64 and dividing the window 64 into more than one window. However, it is understood the supports 66 can include other configurations for structurally supporting the display deck 52. For example, the supports 66 can be a plurality of angled brackets recessed from the inner edge 68 and coupled to the inner surface 62. In another example, the inner surface 62 can include a plurality of slots or holes for receiving tabs extending from the display deck 52. In yet another example, the supports 66 can be configured as a continuous planar surface recessed from the inner edge 68. It is understood the supports 66 can be any other configuration as desired to support the display deck 52.

A plurality of legs 72 extends from the lower surface 62 of the framing members 50. The legs 72 can be integrally formed with the framing members 50 or separately formed and coupled to the framing members 50 by coupling means such as bracket assemblies, screws, adhesive, or any other coupling means as desired. In the embodiment illustrated, the desk assembly includes four of the legs 72. However, it is understood, the deck assembly 16 can include more than or fewer than four of the legs 72. The legs 72 align with the locating features 45 of the tray 14 and the fasteners 49 align with the holes 47 formed in the partition walls 44 of the tray 14 to position the desk assembly 16 within the upper compartment 27, as desired.

The desk assembly 16 is positioned within the upper compartment 27 of the tray 14 and supported by the inner recessed wall 43. A gap 54 is formed between the outer edge 70 of the outer surface 60 of the desk assembly 16 and an upper end of the partition walls 44 of the tray 14. The legs 72 have a height greater than a height of the partition walls 44 in order to space the framing members 50 from the tray 14 to form the gap 54. As a result, the gap 54 creates an illusion to a viewer that the desk assembly and the work of art 100 are “floating.” In another embodiment, the height of the legs 72 can be substantially equal to or less than the height of the partition walls 44 and positioned on shims, spacers, or blocks to form the gap 54. However, in yet another embodiment, no gap is formed between the outer edge 70 of the outer surface 60 of the deck assembly 16 and the upper end of the partition walls 44 of the tray 14. According to this embodiment, the height of the legs 72 may be substantially equal to or less than the height of the partition walls 44.

The display deck 52 is substantially planar with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the window 64. In the embodiment illustrated, the display deck 52 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be contemplated, depending on the shape of the window 64. The display deck 52 is formed by a fabric wrapped OBOMODULAN® polyurethane based material board. Although other materials favorable according to an Oddy test can be used as desired. The display deck 52 is supported by the supports 66 and can be easily removed to replace fabric thereon or for maintenance of the display case 10.

The vitrine 18 is formed from a transparent material such as a plexiglass, an acrylic or an acrylic glass material, for example. Although, other transparent materials such as glass, plastic, polycarbonate, composites thereof, or other transparent materials can be contemplated. The vitrine 18 is formed by a plurality of sidewalls 56 and a top wall 58. The sidewalls 56 and the top wall 58 cooperating to form a display enclosure 74 with an open end 76. As more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the open end 76 of the vitrine 18 is supported by the inner recessed wall 43 of the rim 42 of the tray 14 and disposed intermediate the desk assembly 16 and the partition walls 44 of the tray 14. As a result, the vitrine 18 completely covers the desk assembly 16 and the work of art 100. A seal (not shown) can be disposed between the open end 76 of the vitrine 18 and the inner recessed wall 43 of the rim 42 of the tray 14 and/or between the sidewalls 56 of the vitrine 18 and the partition walls 44 to facilitate a sealing engagement of the vitrine 18 to the tray 14. The vitrine 18 may be further secured to the tray 14 with the fasteners 49.

In certain embodiments, the vitrine 18 has a thickness of about 0.25 inches. However, the vitrine 18 can have other thicknesses as desired. Other dimensions of the vitrine 18, such as height, length, and width can vary to accommodate varying dimensions of the work of art 100. Additionally, it is understood, varying dimensions of the tray 14, the base cabinet 12, and desk assembly 16 can be employed to accommodate varying dimensions of the work of art 100. The exterior of the base cabinet 12 and/or tray 14 can be spray painted with an acrylic latex.

To assemble the display case 10, the tray 14 is positioned on the base cabinet 12, wherein the lower portion 14 b of the tray 14 is received in the upper compartment 27 of the base cabinet 12 and the upper portion 14 a of the tray 14 is positioned above the base cabinet 12. The upper end of the sidewalls 20 of the base cabinet 12 engage and support the tray 14 when assembled to the base cabinet 12. The door 40 is coupled to the sidewalls 32 of tray 14 to cover the opening 38. The display deck 52 is positioned on the supports 66 of the desk assembly 16. The deck assembly 16 is positioned on the tray 14, wherein the legs 72 engage the inner recessed wall 43 of the rim 42. The locating features 45, the fasteners 49, and the holes 47 are employed to align and stabilize the deck assembly 16 with respect to the tray 14. The work of art 100 is positioned to rest on the display deck 52 and the label 200 describing the respective work of art 100 is coupled to the outer surface 60 of any one of the framing members 50. The vitrine 18 is positioned over the work of art 100 and the deck assembly 16, wherein the open end 76 of the vitrine 18 engages the rim 42 and is disposed intermediate the partition walls 44 and the deck assembly 16. The panels 28 can be removed to store objects or materials in the lower compartment 26 of the base cabinet 12 or to provide access to the lower portion 14 b of the tray 14. The door 40 of the tray 14 can be removed to fill or refill desiccant into the chamber 36.

In application, the arrangement of the tray 14 and the vitrine 18 permit a seal to be formed therebetween to minimize leakage of air within the display enclosure 74. The air flowing through the display enclosure 74 is in communication with the chamber 36 of the tray 14 via the gap 54 formed intermediate the lower surface 61 of the frame 46 and the tray 14. The air flows around the desiccant and any moisture in the air is removed by the desiccant. Therefore, a humidity of the air flowing through the display enclosure 74 is minimized and the integrity of the work of art 100 can be conserved.

Advantageously, the display case 10 and materials provided therein are approved and have been successfully tested with an Oddy test, meaning there is no outgassing of potentially harmful vapors being released from the display material into the display enclosure 74. The display case 10 is simple to assemble and facilitates ease of maintenance while conserving the originality and integrity of the work of art 100 contained therein by providing an inert environment for the work of art 100. The display case 10 is aesthetically pleasing and gives viewers an illusion the deck assembly 16 supporting the work of art 100 is “floating.” The gap 54 also allows for proper air to flow therethrough to facilitate a corrective action of the desiccant in the tray 14. The gap 54 allows the air to flow between the desiccant in the tray 14 to the display enclosure 74.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display case for a work of art comprising: a base cabinet defining a compartment; and a deck assembly supported by the base cabinet, the deck assembly including a display deck configured to receive the work of art, the display deck spaced from the base cabinet.
 2. The display case of claim 1, further comprising a preserving material contained in and concealed by the base cabinet, the preserving material in communication with an air flowing about the deck assembly, wherein the preserving material is a desiccant.
 3. The display case of claim 1, wherein a tray is disposed intermediate the base cabinet and the deck assembly and includes a lower portion defining a chamber, and wherein the lower portion is received in the compartment of the base cabinet.
 4. The display case of claim 3, wherein the tray is formed from a powder coated aluminum.
 5. The display case of claim 3, wherein the tray includes an upper portion disposed intermediate an upper end of the base cabinet and the deck assembly, the tray directly supporting the deck assembly.
 6. The display case of claim 3, wherein the tray includes a removable door providing access to the chamber of the lower portion thereof.
 7. The display case of claim 3, wherein the base cabinet includes a shelf dividing the compartment thereof into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, wherein the lower portion of the tray is received in the upper compartment, and wherein a gap is formed between the lower portion of the tray and the shelf.
 8. The display case of claim 1, wherein the base cabinet includes a sidewall and a removable panel formed in the sidewall providing access to the compartment.
 9. The display case of claim 1, further comprising a vitrine covering the display assembly and the work of art.
 10. The display case of claim 1, wherein the deck assembly includes a frame enveloping the display deck, and wherein a portion of an outer surface of the deck assembly is angled with respect to the display deck.
 11. The display deck of claim 10, wherein the frame is formed from a powder coated steel.
 12. A display case for a work of art comprising: a base cabinet defining a compartment; a tray received on the base cabinet, the tray defining a chamber; a deck assembly supported by the tray and configured to support the work of art; and a vitrine supported by the tray and enclosing the deck assembly and the work of art, the vitrine cooperating with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray.
 13. The display case of claim 12, wherein the deck assembly includes a display deck configured for supporting the work of art and a frame enveloping and supporting the display deck.
 14. The display case of claim 13, wherein a gap is formed intermediate the tray and the frame of the deck assembly, and wherein air flows between the display enclosure and the chamber of the tray via the gap.
 15. The display case of claim 13, wherein a portion of the frame includes an outer surface angled with respect to the display deck, the outer surface receiving a label thereon.
 16. The display case of claim 13, wherein the deck assembly further includes a plurality of legs supporting the deck assembly on the tray.
 17. The display case of claim 12, wherein the tray includes an upper rim extending outwardly therefrom, and wherein the rim supporting and engaging the deck assembly and the vitrine.
 18. The display case of claim 12, wherein the base cabinet includes a sidewall and a removable panel coupled to the sidewall, the removable panel providing access to the compartment of the base cabinet.
 19. The display case of claim 12, wherein the base cabinet, the tray, and the deck assembly are formed from materials passing an Oddy test.
 20. A display case for a work of art comprising: a tray defining a chamber, the tray including a sidewall, a rim extending outwardly from the sidewall, and an opening formed in the sidewall of the tray; a deck assembly supported by the rim of the tray and configured to support the work of art, the deck assembly including a frame enveloping and supporting a display deck; a vitrine supported by the rim of the tray and enclosing the deck assembly and the work of art, the vitrine cooperating with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray; and a preserving material disposed in the chamber of the tray. 